Another National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) player was unable to travel with her team during the past international window, citing the current “political situation.”
Portland Thorns and Venezuelan national team forward Deyna Castellanos said she is unsure when it will be safe for her to travel outside of the United States, given the uncertainty around looming travel restrictions that could be imposed on citizens from dozens of countries. She called the ability to travel “very tricky.”
“For me, I have a responsibility here, obviously I’m under a contract, and the uncertainty of like I can go home but not knowing if I can come back is something that is very scary,” Castellanos said. “Not just for me, but players across the league.”
The 25-year-old did not travel to Venezuela for a pair of friendlies against Panama last week, telling reporters on Wednesday she felt staying in the U.S. was the “right decision.”
Days ahead of the international window, The New York Times reported that the Trump Administration was drafting a three-tiered list of 43 countries that could face restrictions on entering the country. The list reportedly includes Red, Orange and Yellow tiers, with varying levels of restrictions. Venezuela, which was reported as a red tier country…
